At Goshen Timber Frames, apprenticeships and workshops have been incorporated into the program for years.  Many timber framers started their journey here and timber frame companies across the country are run by past Goshen apprentices.

Last week six people gathered here in Franklin to learn basic timber framing. Many of the Goshen staff, Toby, David, Don, Adam, Joel, and Mark, along with a talented and dedicated Goshen homeowner, Mike Skahan, made this happen. 

The students worked as a team.  They were taught about the tools (and caring for them), joinery, design, and raising timber frames.

The week went by quickly and at the end of the workshop they received not only certificates, but a personalized plaque designed and crafted by Mike Skahan.

When asked how they would use their new found skills, the students answered with enthusiasm.  Whether they are going to build a shop or outbuilding, use their skills to add some “trimberframing” to their services, or just talk about how they spent their vacation, they all left with a sense of accomplishment.

The small “workshop frame” that they cut and raised provided each of these men and women the chance to learn a craft and to use tools similar to those used for centuries (with a few additions…like the chain mortiser).  They shared this week with others interested in the craft and with craftsmen dedicated to timber framing.  This will be a week worth remembering for most of them.

Jim, Liesel, Luis, Mark, Steven, and Matt are shown here with Joel Scott and Mike Skahan in front of the frame they cut and raised.   As they departed for five different states, you can be sure that their minds were filled with thoughts of heavy timber, chisels, and mallets.

Goshen’s next workshop is scheduled for October 10, 2010.   There are a limited number of spaces available.   More information is available here.

For the past 14 years, Goshen has shared the craft of timber framing with folks (young and old, men and women) from around the country and around the world.  The week-long workshop takes place here in Franklin, North Carolina and the students get to cut and raise a small frame.

So check us out at Timber Frame Workshops and join the program.  This will be your last chance until October, so don’t miss it.  You could even cut your own timber frame this summer.

See ya,   Bonnie.

Workshops are held at Goshen Timber Frames twice a year.  Students from around the world come to Franklin, North Carolina to learn this very ancient craft.  Communication has sometimes been a challenge when the student or apprentice spoke Japanese or Turkish and very little English.  Ken Heath, a deaf student, didn’t let anything stop him from learning to timber frame.

With Cindy Bohner, a local interpreter provided by Goshen, the workshop is helping Ken to learn the craft.  Cindy tells us that “both Ken and Goshen were determined to make this a positive experience. Ken plans on building timber frame cabins on his own campground.  He’ll leave with the skills necessary to do just that and with new friends he’s met along the way.”  Ken is the owner of Mason-Dixon Park, a private campground located in Seven Springs, North Carolina on Highway 55.

The sound of saws and drills isn’t necessary for someone to become a timber framer.  The desire to build something with the same techniques used for centuries, a building that will stand as a testament to the craftsman’s dedication, is enough.

The noisy shop is quiet for Ken, but working with the Goshen joiners and Cindy, he doesn’t miss the noise and hustle and bustle.  Joel Scott, Ken’s instructor, is pleased with Ken’s progress, “Ken picked up on layout and cutting techniques quickly.  This isn’t his first time to build with wood, and it shows.”  He will leave with new skills and will continue to use them for years to come.

In October the Goshen team will take their workshop to the next level.   An interpreter for the hearing impaired will be on-hand to assist those who might not otherwise get to take part in this learning experience.  Goshen’s staff is pleased to have the opportunity to offer this program.

The workshop is not limited to hearing impaired students, however.   Call 828-524-8662 or email toby@goshenframes.com for additional information.